So am I correct you dont leave the dip stick in? Can you leave the dip stick in like most cars?

 

No don t leave it in, you need to replace it with the original cap and new red seal. Its probably too long anyway

 

All you need is the cap! Why seal it and not be able to check the fluid...

Plus you will save a buck!

 

cmitch whats the reason to avoid the 236.10 fluid? Thats the only one I can find online at a decent price of $10-14 /L the dealer has the 236.14 but the cost is $22/ L.....

Anyone have a good source for MB parts in canada?
Thanks
Shalil

 

Cut the crap go to an auto parts store and get the Mobil 1 ATF fully synthetic fluid. As Anthony Bourdain says the good stuff...

I wouldn't mess with the factory crap if you paid me. My money is on the Mobil 1...

Its just under 9 bucks here in the states. At Canadian prices it should still be cheap compared to dealership costs. Trust me.

 

Don't forget to turn the crank and drain the torque converter. There's a crush nut/washer in there that needs to be changed as well. Measure how much fluid you take out and put back exactly what you drained out. That's very important!

And about the parts issue buy them on the internet and be careful who you buy them from. Shop around basically...

 

I have a 98 ML320. If I drain the torque converter and change the filter will the vacated torque converter cause any problem until it fills?

Jim

 

Well, once you refill it, you start it up and cycle through the gears without driving the vehicle, this allows the fluids to move around and refill the TC, once you do this, remeasure if you using the dipstick method and then you should be good to go!

 

Thanks for all the help. I checked the oil as it stands and it was right up. The dipstick is too long and the cap just popped right back on.

MB likes to keep it a mystery, I think. Thanks to the forum members.

Jim

 

Pictures are very helpful for this job, thanks!

The transmission here is one of the last things I plan to tackle on mine. Seems like an easy job and I've done transmissions before as far as fluid changes go.

My smaller clicker wrench happens to range from 3.6Nm to 25Nm so, good to go there. Picked up the t-30 and 5mm hex sockets. I've had 10liters of the MB genuine ATF fluid sitting around for a few years now haha. Went to the dealer the other day and picked up the pan gasket, oil filter, pilot bushing (I have the leak issue), drain washer and red cap.

I've had the leak for quite a bit however, a while back I cleaned the wires leading to the TCM and the actual TCM itself to prevent damage and occasionally I have removed the 13-pin connector and cleaned that as well.... until I complete this job.

Never had any transmission problems, irregular shifting, "limp mode," or any other crap.... maybe my 722.6 was one of the select few lol.

and in case you guys were wondering... no, mine isn't AMG =P
I had to replace all the brake lines, hoses, and calipers... so I figured I'd paint them red too while I was at it. Custom bending lines and fishing them through the vehicle can be a pain. It is what it is haha

 

So, it's okay to start the car with no fluid in the torque converter? is there any risk of damage? I have a 99ML430, there is a drain plug for torque converter; but I'm a bit anxious about starting it up with no fluid in it. Any advise is appreciated.

 

Hi dipinj,
I believe it would damage the transmission.. In my Pontiac I drained it first, changed the filter and put the pan back put new ATF fluid. Next opened the hose of the Torque. Converter on radiator side and kept adding new ATF to it until fluid from torque.Crt became clear from its old black and dirty color ..then I stopped and plugged hose of the Torque.Cnvrt back to the radiator.

Note: Most of the US car radiators have a little compartment on the passenger side of the radiator that ATF circulates to cool down... it comes from TC.

I Hope this help

 

Anyone knows if 2003 ML320 has Plug for Transmission Torque.Converter? for ATF flush.
Picture would be great..

 

No it does not. Only 98-99 ML's had it.

 

============

Thanks so much Dundee..

Then for flushing the T.C what would be the alternative? shall I open the Transmission hose hose on Radiator side and drain it that way? or just change the filter and add 4-qt of fluid and that is it.

Best,

 

How many miles since your last change (if ever)?
I did mine from the hose on radiator on C230 after doing the pan and filter. Did it twice. Once at 120 and once at 180K.
230K and tranny still feels tight. Do the Orings on connector while you're down there.
Have a write up on the 203 forum you might find helpful. Same trans.

The reason I ask how many miles, is according to most mechanics replacing all the fluid on an older trans is a bad thing. But so far not an issue for me.

FYI- If you want to DIY, so much easier to have a lift,
you can rent a a spot at a place called Pit Row in Santa Clara.

 

Should the transmission connector adapter plug be replaced at the same time of a fill or trans flush? What symptoms would it have if it needs to be replaced?

 

Separate the connector and if there is fluid present then it must be replaced.

 

thanks for this great thread...one last thing, as far as replacement transmission filters are there recommended aftermarket brands or ones i should stay away from in terms of fitment?

 

IS THE TRANSMISSION OIL DRAIN PLUG A LEFT HAND THREAD? That is, does it loosen by turning clockwise? About the change the trans oil on my ML350 W163 2003 and I don't want to strip the thread if I can help it! Seems tight using a 5mm Hex Allen key either way.

 

 

On the W163 350ML, the gasket pan plug definitely has a 5mm hex plug (see #9 in this thread). And you are correct we47b1, the pan is held on with 6 x T30. The 5mm hex drain plug is so tight though, and will not budge (I'm concerned about damaging it) , so I did wonder is it was a leftie! I think I'll get a 5mm hex for a 3/8 socket and see if that is any better. If not, I'll order a new plug (Any suggestion as to where I could get one other than the MB dealer?) and drop the pan to change the filter and oil, and attempt to extract the stubborn plug so its an easier job next time. Its a very low kilometre vehicle. We bought it 3 months ago with only 52,000kms, and have just turned over 60,000kms now, and although we have the service book records from the one pervious owner, they are not very specific and don't show if the transmission oil as been changed. so I though it would be best to do it while everything is running well.

 

All went well with the transmission fluid change. A tip for others trying this- when fitting the new gasket, make sure the 4 small lugs in the sides of the gasket are lined up with the indentations in the pan. This will ensure the gasket is sitting even and straight and there are no leaks.